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27 Fabulous Events Happening This Weekend In Southern California

Preparations are underway for one of Southern California's largest Greek festivals, in Redondo Beach. (Photo: Courtesy of the South Bay Greek Festival via Facebook)
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Cooler temperatures are headed our way so you can't use that excuse to skip fabulous outdoor events, from a Greek festival and a party for the Colorado Bridge to a screening of "Coco" under the stars and an artwalk in South Gate. If art and music are your jam, the California African American Museum, the Natural History Musem and the Getty are all holding celebrations. And don't forget to honor the sacred holiday that is National Ice Cream Day.

FRIDAY, JULY 13 - SUNDAY, JULY 15
South Bay Greek Festival
St. Katherine's Greek Orthodox Church -- 722 Knob Hill Ave., Redondo Beach
Opa! Revel in Greek culture with traditional music, dancing, baklava and lots of other homemade Greek delicacies. We can already taste the spanakopita, dolmas and gyros.
COST: FREE - $2 entry; MORE INFO

FRIDAY, JULY 13; 9:30 - midnight
Filipino AF
Inner Sanctum, Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, Sunset -- 5419 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood
This comedy and variety night showcases L.A.'s Filipino American talent with all kinds of comedy plus performances by Manny Jacinto, Brent Weinbach, magic by Andre Echave, music by Joy Regullano, storytelling and music by Tess Paras of "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend." What Filipino party doesn't have adobo, sisig or sweets? The first 100 people get free baked goods FrankieLucy Bakeshop. Achara Food Co. will also be dishing out eats.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO

FRIDAY, JULY 13; 5 - 9 p.m.
Summer Nights in the Garden
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County -- 900 Exposition Blvd., Exposition Park
Sip a garden-infused cocktail in the Nature Garden, take a botanical tour, watch an artist demonstration with Sandy Rodriguez orcatch a Flea Circus. Performers include Beach Cities, the Girls Gone Vinyl DJ collective and the Melrose Poetry Bureau.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO

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FRIDAY, JULY 13 - SUNDAY, AUG. 12
OC FAIR
Orange County Fairgrounds -- 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa
Yee-haw! It's time to see the animals, hear classic rock and eat all the deep fried foods your stomach can handle. Chicken Charlie is now offering deep-fried filet mignon on a stick (again, we ask, "why"?). This Saturday and Sunday only, the fair holds its annual Brew Hee Haw, offering four-hour sessions of unlimited beer tastings.
COST: $7 - $14 for fair admission; $55 - $65 for Brew Hee Haw (includes fair entry); MORE INFO

PEN USA hosts a documentary screening about Ukrainian film director Oleg Sentsov, imprisoned by the Russian FSB. (Photo: Still from 'The Trial: The State of Russia vs Oleg Sentsov' via Facebook)
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FRIDAY, JULY 13; 7 - 9 p.m.
A Filmmaker on Trial
Writers Guild Foundation, Shavelson-Webb Library -- 7000 W. 3rd St., Beverly Grove
PEN America screens Askold Kurov's documentary, "The Trial: The State of Russia vs Oleg Sentsov," followed by a panel discussion. Sentsov, a Ukrainian filmmaker, was arrested in May 2014 and sentenced to 20 years in prison for criticizing the annexation of his native Crimea. As a political prisoner, Sentsov is now imprisoned by the Russians at a high-security prison in Siberia. Panelists include documentary filmmaker and writer Mark Jonathan Harris, UCLA political science professor Daniel Treisman and "The Trial's" producer Max Tuula.
COST: FREE with RSVP; MORE INFO

FRIDAY, JULY 13; 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Comedians Cinema Club: "The Wizard of Oz"
El Cid -- 4212 W. Sunset Blvd., Silver Lake
Watch stand-up comics get drunk and attempt to recreate films live and on stage. They're off to see the wizard and you can bet things'll get chaotic. The shows include audience participation and (possible) nudity because you never know what version of the film you'll see. This show is 21+ with a two-item minimum.
COST: $15 - $20; MORE INFO

FRIDAY, JULY 13; 9 p.m.
Your Late Night Show Tonight!
Pack Theater -- 6470 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood
Ricky Carmona, writer for Comedy Central's "Tosh.0" and host of Maximum Fun's "Who Shot Ya?" podcast, takes a spin at hosting an original talk show. There might be a monologue, special guests, music, magic elephants. Or maybe not. It's totally up to the host. We know that Dave Lyons, creator of the Yacht Rock web series, will turn up to talk all things light rock.
COST: Pay-what-you-can; MORE INFO

FRIDAY, JULY 13; 8 - 10 p.m.
Beach Movie Nights: "Coco"
Dockweiler Youth Center -- 12505 Vista Del Mar, Playa Del Rey
Watch the Day of the Dead-inspired animated movie while hanging out on the beach under the stars. Follow Miguel's adventures as he tries to find his great-great-grandfather, a legendary singer, in the Land of the Dead. Pack a picnic basket or buy food from one of the trucks onsite starting at 6 p.m.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO

SATURDAY, JULY 14; 6 - 11:30 p.m.
Colorado Street Bridge Party
Colorado Street Bridge -- 504 W Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
This party closes down the bridge to vehicle as the nonprofit Pasadena Heritage celebrates saving the landmark. The family-friendly event offers special kiddie activities and entertainment until 9 p.m. in Defenders Park. There's live music on three stages, featuring Vin Fiz Flyer Band, Jimbobaires, Rob Rio, Dilemma, Mercy and the Merkettes and Upstream. More than a dozen restaurants and food vendors will be on hand to feed the crowd and adult beverage purveyors will be onsite quench the thirsts of those 21+.
COST: $8 - $20, children 7 and younger admitted for free; MORE INFO

SATURDAY, JULY 14 - SUNDAY, JULY 29
SHARK WEEK: 30 Years of Shark 'N' Awe! The Exhibit
The Paley Center for Media -- 465 N. Beverly Dr., Beverly Hills
The shark-infested multimedia exhibition launches in advance of the Discovery Channel's 30th anniversary of "Shark Week." Visitors can check out stories and scientific discoveries through video, photography, props and costumes. There are photo ops available, maybe even one with "Shark Week" mascot Chompie, Jr. As Tracy Jordan would say, "Live every week like it's 'Shark Week!'" The exhibition is open Wednesdays through Sundays.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO

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SATURDAY, JULY 14 - SUNDAY, JULY 15
Reggae on the Mountain 2018
Topanga Community Center -- 1440 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga
Can it get more Topanga than this? We don't think so. Spend the weekend listening to roots, rock and reggae with a lineup that includes Toots & The Maytals, Derrick Morgan, Barrington Levy and Pato Banton. The VIP tickets include an open bar, shaded lounge, private bathrooms and front row access.
COST: $54 - $239; MORE INFO

SATURDAY, JULY 14; 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
The Halal Guys SoCal Customer Appreciation Day
various locations
How can you pass this deal up? The first 100 people in line at any Halal Guys location in Southern California will receive a free sandwich or platter. Don't fret if you sleep in. The next 100 people in line get a buy one, get one free. Everyone gets coupons to use next week and giveaways will happen all day long.
COST: Varies; MORE INFO

SATURDAY, JULY 14; 4 - 9 p.m.
Tiki Night 2018
Egyptian Theatre -- 6712 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
Immerse yourself in a colorful abstractation of Polynesian and Hawaiian cultures as the American Cinematheque throws its annual tiki party. King Kukulele & the Friki Tikis and the Polynesian Paradise Dancers provide entertainment. 320 Main in Seal Beach serves up tiki cocktails while the Aloha Fridays Food Truck will be onsite to feed partygoers. At 7:30 p.m., you can watch short documentaries on tiki sculptor Bosko Hrnjak and Disney Imagineer Rolly Crump, one of the creators of Disneyland's Enchanted Tiki Room. The marketplace, with nearly a dozen vendors, will open to the public beginning at 1:30 p.m. but at 4 p.m. the courtyard is open only to ticketed guests.
COST: $12 - $15; food and drinks sold separately MORE INFO

SATURDAY, JULY 14; 6 - 10 p.m.
KCRW's Summer Nights @ CAAM
California African American Museum -- 600 State Dr., Exposition Park
Hit up two free parties on one night. CAAM is just a stone's throw from the NHM. DJs Aaron Byrd and Garth Trinidad spin the tunes throughout the night and attendees can dance, chill in the beer garden, choose offerings from food trucks and check out the museum's exhibitions, including the acclaimed "How Sweet the Sound: Gospel Music in Los Angeles."
COST: FREE; MORE INFO

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SATURDAY, JULY 14; 6 p.m.
Off the 405
The Getty Center -- 1200 Getty Center Dr., Brentwood
We love watching the sunset as we look over the 405 and an outdoor concert makes it all the more beautiful. The music series continues with L.A. psych rock band FEELS, fronted by Laena Geronimo, and a DJ set by Boss Harmony.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO

SATURDAY, JULY 14; 5 - 8 p.m.
Azalea Artwalk
Plaza Azalea -- 4635 Firestone Blvd., South Gate
This sunset community gathering features music, dancing and art and crafts vendors. Catch live music by Son Mayor with DJ sets by La Junta Sound System, Glenn Red Yuki Shimotakahara and David Cardena-Degruvme.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO

SATURDAY, JULY 14 - SUNDAY, JULY 15; 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
38th Annual Lotus Festival
Echo Park Lake -- 751 Echo Park Ave., Echo Park
The 2018 festival features a Chinese Pavilion to highlight the culture of China. The weekend also features nonstop entertainment, a food court, children's activities, a tea house and ceremony, and the ever-popular dragon boat races.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO

SATURDAY, JULY 14; 7 - 10 p.m.
Out of Body
Museum of Latin America Art -- 628 Alamitos Ave., Long Beach
In conjunction with the exhibition "Extracorporeal" ("Beyond the Body"), the museum presents a night of out-of-body experiences. That includes performances by singer, artist and storyteller Dorian Wood and images and "jarocho punk" by ¡Ararato!
COST: $20; MORE INFO

SATURDAY, JULY 14; 5:30 - 11 p.m.
Eat See Hear Outdoor Movie: "The Warriors"
Los Angeles State Historic Park -- 1245 N Spring St., downtown L.A.
The 1979 Walter Hill action film -- set in a dystopian NYC where violent gangs dress like the Village People -- screens under the stars. The band Girl Friday serenades the audience with pop-punk tunes before the movie. Food trucks include Tackle Box, Steamy Bun Truck, Tender Grill Kitchen, Tomski's Sausage and Woody's Grill. This screening is dog friendly, with pups receiving a free biscuit at the door.
COST: $8 - $21; MORE INFO

SATURDAY, JULY 14; 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Santa Monica Public Library at the Beach
Dorothy Green Park -- 2600 Barnard Way at Ocean Park Blvd., Santa Monica
These pop-up libraries bring books to beachgoers this summer. Visitors can enjoy activities including a reading lounge, games like bocce and bean bag toss, beach-themed stories and nautical crafts. Sign out books from a collection of beach reads (no library card required) and chat with the librarians on hand.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO

SATURDAY, JULY 14; 11 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
OG Poppers Picnic
Griffith Park's Crystal Springs Picnic Area -- 4730 Crystal Springs Dr., Griffith Park
The original pioneers of RPBB (robot, poppin/poplock, boogaloo and boppin) meet up with new school dance artists and they're all bringing friends, family and fans to the 11th annual picnic and dance showcase. Although DJ Omar spins the tunes, we expect a more BYOB (bring your own boombox) affair. Organizers ask that you leave the drinks, drugs, drama and egos at home.
COST: FREE, but donations accepted; MORE INFO

SATURDAY, JULY 14; 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.
The Great Rock 'N' Roll Flea Market
The Regent Theater -- 448 S. Main St., downtown L.A.
While the market is usually held the first Sunday of every month, this special edition brings together vintage collections, antiques, vintage clothing, jewelry makers, music memorabilia, vinyl, local food vendors, and used musical instruments dealers.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO

The Ukelele Orchestra of the Western Hemisphere plays pop and rock tunes in Altadena on Sunday. (Photo: Courtesy of the Ukelele Orchestra of the Western Hemisphere)
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SUNDAY, JULY 15; 7 p.m.
The Ukelele Orchestra of the Western Hemisphere
The Coffee Gallery Backstage -- 2029 N. Lake Ave., Altadena
The L.A.-based ukulele ensemble takes the humble instrument (spelling it ukelele, for kicks) to another level. They skip Hawaiian melodies and jazz classics in favor of tunes by Queen, David Bowie, Abba and Radiohead. Singer and uke player Brit Rodriguez opens the show. Reservations required via phone at 626-798-6236.
COST: $20; MORE INFO

SUNDAY, JULY 15; 5 p.m.
Summer Concerts in the Park
2018 Garfield Park -- 1000 Park Ave., South Pasadena
This long-running outdoor concert series continues with West Coast swing music from Phat Cat Swinger. The band will play tunes from its latest album, "Saturday Night!," which features covers of "Mambo Italiano," "Let the Good Times Roll" and "Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)." Bring a picnic, blankets and low-seated chairs. Food and snacks will be available for purchase.
COST: FREE;MORE INFO

SUNDAY, JULY 15; 6:30 p.m.
Swingin' Summer
The Wiltern -- 3790 Wilshire Blvd., Koreatown
Swing dance to live music as The Candy Jacket Jazz Band and The San Andreas Sisters with the Fabus Four play swing from the 1940s. If you're intimidated or have two left feet, consider taking dance lessons at 6:30 p.m. (for an extra fee). The real dance party begins at 8 p.m. COST: $10 - $55; MORE INFO

Don't forget to celebrate National Ice Cream Day this Sunday. (Photo by Anne Huffman for Brooklyn Flea)
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SUNDAY, JULY 15
National Ice Cream Day
Various locations
Time to double up on the Lactaid! Whiule many ice cream shops and vendors will celebrate the holiday, Smorgasburg LA hosts the 2nd annual Ice Cream Alley (through Labor Day weekend). In addition to regular vendors like Wanderlust Creamery, pop-up vendors include McConnell's, Sweet Rose Creamery, Jeni's Splendid, Afters Ice Cream, Nancy's Fancy Gelato, Blast Ice Cream, CVT Soft Serve and Madame Shugah (all vegan). The Museum of Ice Cream's Ice Cream Social at Los Angeles State Historic Park is unfortunately sold out (sigh).
COST: Varies; MORE INFO

SUNDAY, JULY 15; 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Sunday Funday: Burgers and Beer
Civic Center Studios -- 207 S. Broadway Suite One, downtown L.A.
Happening on the third Sunday of the month, the summer eats series features different cuisines and themes. This time, it's brews and burgers with paleo and vegan options available. After eating, get crafty in the DIY studio and shop items from local makers.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO

What are you spending your weekend? Let us know on Twitter @christineziemba and @LeoHasACat.

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